HEALTH INFORMATION

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Safe Posture and Movements

Topic Overview

Repeated hand and wrist movements, especially if they are
done in awkward positions such as with the wrist bent forward or back, can cause swelling
or thickening of tissues within the carpal tunnel. The swelling makes the carpal tunnel smaller and puts pressure on the median nerve, which can cause tingling or pain in the wrist and hand.

These kinds of hand and wrist movements
are done in every part of our lives, during:

Work (such as cutting meat;
repairing cars; construction, especially when using vibrating tools; prolonged
bar-code scanning; using a computer).

Daily activities (such as cooking, cleaning,
gardening).

Hobbies (such as needlework, knitting, painting,
holding a book while reading).

Sports (such as tennis, golf,
bicycling).

Here are some things you can do to put less strain on your body:

For activities such as typing and knitting, keep
your forearms parallel to the floor or slightly lowered.

Keep your
shoulders relaxed and not raised.

Your wrists and hands should be
in line with your arms. Your wrists should not be twisted or bent for long
periods of time.

Position your work at waist height or slightly
lower if you have to exert force.

Organize your work so that you
can change your position now and then while you stay in a comfortable
posture.

Topic Contents

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